Beneath the Surface

chapter 48: journey towards healing

Sarah's Apartment – Living Room – Morning

Months have passed, but Sarah is still locked in the painful cycle of grief. She sits in the same spot on the couch, her eyes hollow and distant, gazing out the window at the world she no longer feels part of. The room is quiet except for the gentle ticking of the clock, a reminder that time is moving forward, even if she can't.

Tristan enters quietly, carrying two mugs of tea. His presence is gentle, unwavering, and his concern for Sarah shows in the way he moves, careful not to disturb her too much. He hands her one of the mugs, but she barely acknowledges him.

Tristan: (softly) "Hey, Sarah. It's peppermint, your favorite."

Sarah takes the mug, though she doesn't drink from it. She stares at the swirling steam, lost in thought. Tristan sits beside her, close but not too close, giving her space yet always making it clear that he's there.

Sarah: (whispering) "I don't know why it's not getting easier. Everyone says it'll get better with time, but... it feels like it's getting harder."

Her voice cracks as she speaks, the rawness of her grief still palpable after all these months. Tristan places his hand on hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Tristan: (gently) "It's okay to feel that way. Everyone heals differently, Sarah. There's no timeline for grief. And you don't have to do this alone."

Sarah's eyes well with tears, but she's tired of crying. She sighs deeply, a breath that seems to carry the weight of her sorrow.

Sarah: (quietly) "It's like I'm stuck in this dark place. No matter what I do, I can't see a way out. I want to feel normal again, but I don't even know what normal is anymore."

Tristan leans in slightly, his eyes filled with compassion. He knows how hard it's been for her and how she's tried to push through it, but the depth of her grief has been overwhelming.

Tristan: (softly) "That's why we're doing this together. That's why we started therapy, and the family rehabilitation program—it's all part of the process. You're not supposed to have all the answers right now."

Sarah nods weakly. They've been attending psychological therapy sessions for months, and while she sometimes feels moments of clarity, the heaviness always seems to return. Still, Tristan has been with her every step of the way, never faltering in his support. He's been her anchor, even when she's felt like she's sinking.

Sarah: (softly) "What if I never get through this? What if I'm never okay again?"

Tristan pauses, choosing his words carefully. He doesn't want to offer false promises, but he believes in her, even when she doesn't believe in herself.

Tristan: (gently) "You will get through this, Sarah. Not overnight, and maybe not even soon, but you'll get there. Grief doesn't go away—it changes. It becomes part of who we are, but it doesn't have to define us. You're doing the best you can, and that's enough. It's more than enough."

Tears roll down Sarah's cheeks, but she doesn't wipe them away. Tristan pulls her into a gentle embrace, his arms providing warmth and safety in a world that has felt so cold and cruel. She leans into him, allowing herself to be vulnerable in his presence.

Sarah: (murmuring) "I'm so tired, Tristan. I don't know how much longer I can keep pretending that I'm okay."

Tristan: (softly) "You don't have to pretend. Not with me, not with your family, not with anyone. It's okay to be tired. It's okay to feel broken. That's why we're getting help, remember? Therapy isn't about fixing you—it's about helping you cope, helping you find a way to live again."